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Pan Fried Salmon Recipe (Keto & Low Carb) ๐ŸŸ

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Introducing our mouthwatering keto Pan Fried Salmon recipe, a perfect blend of tender salmon filets with lemon butter sauce. It's super easy to make and has only a handful of ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a perfect weeknight dinner or a quick and satisfying lunch.

Lemon butter salmon recipe.
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Preparation and cooking overview

This is an easy-to-make Pan Fried Salmon Recipe. Season the salmon filets and fry them in a hot skillet. Then, whip up a lemon butter sauce and drizzle over the fish before serving. In less than 20 minutes, you will prepare a mouthwatering pan-fried salmon.

Chef's note

For enhanced flavor, take the time to season the salmon filets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme, and allow them to rest for approximately 30 minutes. This step will infuse the fish with delicious flavors. And if you love a fiery kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the lemon butter sauce. Feel free to tweak this recipe as per your preference.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 18 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

๐Ÿ‹ Ingredients for this pan fried salmon recipe

You only need a few ingredients to cook this easy yet fancy meal.

  • 1 pound salmon filet
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 lemon, juice, and zest
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly grounded pepper to taste
Ingredients made ready on kitchen table for the preparation of pan fried salmon recipe.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Olive oil: Swap this Mediterranean staple with avocado oil. It has a high smoke point and is perfect for our recipe.
  • Fresh garlic cloves: If you are out of fresh garlic cloves, use a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Fresh thyme: No fresh thyme? Swap it with a teaspoon of dried thyme.

Additional ingredients

You can customize the sauce and toppings as you like. Here are some interesting ideas:

  • Capers: For a salty and tangy flavor, sprinkle a tablespoon of capers over the salmon just before serving.
  • Red pepper flakes: Season the salmon with red pepper flakes for a spicy note.
  • Dill: Top your finished salmon with chopped dill. It's a classic flavor pairing.
  • Almond slices: Toast a handful of almond slices and sprinkle them on top for a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Fresh herbs: Garnish the fish filets with fresh parsley or cilantro right before serving.

Note: The additional ingredients might increase the calorie and carb count, so don't forget to check the recipe card below for nutrition facts.

Salmon recipe with lemon slices and herbs served on a plate.

Cooking tools required

To make this low carb salmon recipe, you will need the following tools:

  • Large bowl
  • Garlic press
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Zester
  • Lemon squeezer
  • Whisk

Tools substitute options

  • Garlic press: If you don't have a garlic press, use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic cloves into a fine paste.
  • Cast-iron skillet: Use a stainless steel pan or a non-stick skillet to fry the filets if you don't have a cast-iron skillet.
  • Zester: If you don't have a zester at home, use the box grater to zest a lemon.
Salmon recipe with lemon butter sauce served on a plate.

How to make Pan Fried Salmon: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all your ingredients.
  2. Measure them precisely as per the recipe requirements.
  3. Peel and mince the garlic. 
  4. Take your salmon filets and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  5. Squeeze out fresh lemon juice and create lemon zest as well.
Salmon along with the ingredients to be used for seasoning.

Cooking instructions

Season the salmon

  1. Add minced garlic olive oil, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper over the fish filets.
  2. Using your hand, gently massage the ingredients into the filets, coating both sides evenly.
Seasoned salmon slices next to a cast iron skillet.

Pan-fry the salmon

  • Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down in the cast-iron pan and cook for about 4 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the filets using a spatula and cook for 3-4 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and easily flake when pulled with a fork.
  • Transfer the filets to a serving plate.
  • Melt the butter in the same pan over low heat. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter to the pan.
  • Whisk them together for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the fried salmon. Serve hot with your choice of keto-friendly side dish.
Pan frying seasoned salmon slices.
Fried salmon slices transferred to a plate next to the skillet.
Preparation of lemon butter sauce for the fried salmon recipe.

Chef's pro tip

To prevent overcooking your salmon, preheat the pan for a few minutes before adding the filets. This will create a nice golden crust and keep the desired texture. Watch the fish closely as it sizzles. Once it gets a golden crust and the inside becomes opaque, take it off the heat. Keep in mind that the fish will continue to cook from the residual heat, so it's okay if it's slightly underdone.

What to serve with pan fried salmon?

Pair this pan-fried salmon with a keto-friendly dish to enhance its flavors and make an all-rounded meal. The options are as follows:

  • Cauliflower rice: This low-carb substitute to regular rice creates a perfect dinner paired with our salmon dish. Check out our Mexican Cauliflower Rice recipe; it pairs well with this dish.
  • Grilled vegetables: Veggies are a great idea to have a complete meal. You can try our Grilled Vegetables to enhance the flavor profile of your salmon meal.
  • Spinach salad: Pair our dish with a simple spinach or Arugula Salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.
  • Avocado slices: Serve the fish with avocado slices for a creamy contrast.
Homemade pan fried salmon recipe on kitchen table.

How to make it healthier

  • If you're keeping an eye on your sodium intake, you can omit or reduce the salt in the recipe. The herbs will still add plenty of flavor to the dish.
  • Serve the salmon over a bed of mixed greens to add fiber to the dish.
  • Swap unsalted butter with an equal amount of ghee or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Marinate the salmon up to a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped and chilled in the fridge.
Salmon recipe for low carb diet.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store the fried salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Avoid freezing the leftovers, as it can affect the taste and texture of the salmon.

Reheating best practices

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 275ยฐF (135ยฐC) and place the leftover salmon in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 15 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
  • Stovetop: For a crispier finish, reheat the leftover on the stovetop over low heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Pan fried recipe with lemon butter sauce served on a plate, topped with lemon slices and thyme.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Pan Fried Salmon is perfect for convenient weeknight dinners and quick lunches. You can pair it with various side dishes, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. It is an easy-to-make dish that will leave you craving more!

Now, instead of dining out at posh restaurants, you can prepare a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your home โ€” within 20 minutes. So, grab your apron, and let's bring some excitement to the kitchen with this masterpiece.

Keto salmon recipe served on a plate.
Keto fried salmon recipe.
Pan fried salmon recipe seasoned with lemon slices and herbs.
Keto salmon recipe served on a plate.
Keto fried salmon recipe.
Pan fried salmon recipe seasoned with lemon slices and herbs.

Frequently asked questions

You can substitute the salmon filet with fatty fish like trout or arctic char.

The filet will be opaque and easily flake with a fork. It should have an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC). You can use an instant-read thermometer for an ideal temperature.

Yes! Grilling is an excellent alternative for cooking salmon. Just make sure to oil the grates well and keep a close eye on the filets to prevent burns.

Get creative with tangy mustard sauce, a rich garlic cream sauce, or even a spicy avocado crema. Just be sure to check that all ingredients are keto-friendly.

To prevent the fish from sticking to the pan, ensure your pan is heated before adding the salmon. Once the fish is in the pan, avoid moving it too much during the initial cooking phase. The skin will naturally release itself once it's properly seared. However, even if some bits stick, don't worry! The delicious sauce in our recipe will help incorporate those flavors and chunks, enhancing the dish's overall taste.

๐Ÿ“– Recipe

Pan fried salmon.

Pan Fried Salmon

Make a delicious Pan Fried Salmon with lemon butter sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or weeknight dinner!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30-minute, pan-fried salmon
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 515kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon filet
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 lemon juice, and zest
  • sea salt to taste
  • freshly grounded pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Season the salmon

  • Add minced garlic olive oil, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper overย the fish filets.
  • Using your hand, gently massage the ingredients into the filets, coating both sides evenly.

Pan-fry the salmon

  • Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down in the cast-iron pan and cook for about 4 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the filets using a spatula and cook for 3-4 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and easily flake when pulled with a fork.
  • Transfer the filets to a serving plate.
  • Melt the butter in the same pan over low heat. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter to the pan.
  • Whisk them together for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the fried salmon. Serve hot with your choice of keto-friendly side dish.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Pan Fried Salmon
Amount Per Serving
Calories 515 Calories from Fat 306
% Daily Value*
Fat 34g52%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 8g
Monounsaturated Fat 16g
Cholesterol 140mg47%
Sodium 147mg6%
Potassium 1203mg34%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 46g92%
Vitamin A 349IU7%
Vitamin C 31mg38%
Calcium 52mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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